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About Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. These bacteria are very common and live on lots of peoples skin or inside the nose without causing any problems. Impetigo develops if the bacteria get inside the skin and multiply. Primary impetigo is when normally healthy skin is affected. A small scratch can allow bacteria to get into the skin where they multiply.

Secondary impetigo is when the infection gets into skin that is already affected by another condition, such as eczema. Impetigo is much more likely to develop where the skin is already damaged.

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Western Medicine View

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. Its likely to heal by itself in two to three weeks, but because its so easily spread and can lead to more serious infections, its important to get rid of it as quickly as possible. A mild antibiotic cream is usually enough, but in severe cases, tablets may be necessary. This could be because the impetigo is spreading rapidly. With antibiotics, the infection usually clears up in 7-10 days.

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Chinese Medicine View

Impetigo is known as both huang shui chuang (yellow water lesion) and nong cao chuang (pus nest lesion). It results from heat in the lung and dampness in the spleen. Huang shui chuang tends to appear in the form of yellowish blisters around the face, head and ear lobes. It is characterized by large amounts of discharge of fluid and intolerable itching. Impetigo may appear wherever the dribbling yellow fluid touches. The condition may spread all over the body.

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Treatment Options

Chinese herbs. Treatment is external. For example Qing Dai San could be applied externally after being mixed with sesame oil.

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Lifestyle Advice

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